Apparatus and method for controlling functions of a mobile phone using near field communication (nfc) technology

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for controlling certain functions of a mobile terminal using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The apparatus includes an NFC chip module, a base band chip, and a USIM card. The NFC chip module is electrically connected to the base band chip of a mobile terminal, allows a command data signal to be transmitted to the base band chip or a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) card of the mobile terminal for the control of certain functions of the mobile terminal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/251,424, filed Apr. 11, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/140,990, filed Jun. 20, 2011, which is thenational stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT InternationalApplication PCT/KR2009/007513, with an International Filing Date of Dec.16, 2009, which claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2009-0028035 filed Apr. 1, 2009. The entire contents of all of thelisted related applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method forcontrolling certain functions of a mobile terminal using Near FieldCommunication (NFC) technology. NFC technology has been currentlydeveloped by an industrial consortium under the name of an NFC forum(http://www.nfc-forum.org).

NFC technology starts from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)technology (radio identification), and uses an NFC element having acontactless-type communication interface (for transmitting/receivingdata in a contactless manner) and various types of operation modes, thatis, reader mode, card emulation mode and device mode. In reader mode,that is, in active mode, such an NFC element operates like aconventional RFID reader in order to access an RFID chip (especially, achip card or a contactless tag) when writing or reading is performed onthe RFID chip. Further, an RF (contactless-type) technology includes aUniversal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) which uses a method similarto an NFC method.

The technology is formed using the exchange of information between an RFreader and a USIM. Since the RF (contactless type) area of the USIM in amobile terminal directly transmits a result value to the RF reader afterprocessing the command of the RF reader, the contact-type section inwhich communication with the mobile terminal is actually performedcannot be known. For example, when a reader instructs a USIM to restrictthe camera function of a mobile terminal using an RF (contactless type),the RF area of the USIM primarily cannot perform communication with acontact section which transmits/receives at least one command in themobile terminal even though the RF area of the USIM receives thecommand, so that a command indicative of the restriction of the camerafunction cannot be transmitted to the mobile terminal.

The discussions in this section are only to provide backgroundinformation about the invention and does not constitute an admission ofprior art.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides a mobile terminal comprising: abaseband chip configured to process commands and control a plurality ofmodes of the mobile terminal; an NFC module comprising an NFC chip andRF antenna, the NFC chip being connected to the baseband chip and the RFantenna; and a USIM card connected to the baseband chip and the NFCmodule. In the mobile terminal, the NFC module is configured to operatein a plurality of modes comprising a reader mode and a tag (or cardemulation) mode, wherein in the reader mode, the NFC module isconfigured to read data from an external NFC tag, wherein in the tagmode, the NFC module is configured to provide data for another RF readerto read; wherein upon tagging with an external RF device that isprogrammed with a mode-control command, the NFC module is configured toread data from the external RF device that comprise a mode-controlcommand, to cause the data from the external RF device to be forwardedto the baseband chip such that the baseband chip processes themode-control command of the data to control at least one of theplurality of modes in accordance with the mode-control command, and tocause to send, to the external RF device, signals indicative ofprocessing of the mode-control command.

In the foregoing mobile terminal, the NFC module may cause the data fromthe external RF device to be forwarded either directly to the basebandchip or via the USIM to enable at least one function of the USIM inaddition to control of the at least one mode of the mobile terminal,wherein the at least one function of the USIM may comprise causing themobile terminal to be authenticated. The NFC module may be configured toforward the data from the external RF device to the USIM card, and theUSIM card may be configured to forward the data to the baseband chip.The USIM card may be configured to forward the data from the external RFdevice to the baseband chip after authenticating the mobile terminal.The USIM card may be configured to forward the data from the external RFdevice to the baseband chip only when the mobile terminal isauthenticated. The data from the external RF device may be configured tobe routed to the USIM card according to a Single Wired Protocol (SWP).The USIM card may comprise a memory that stores an electronic serialnumber (ESN) of the mobile terminal for use in authentication of theelectronic mobile device. The mobile terminal may be configured to usethe ESN stored in the memory of the USIM card for authentication even ifanother ESN of the mobile terminal may be stored within the mobileterminal. The baseband chip may contain another ESN of the mobileterminal, wherein for authentication only the ESN stored in the memoryof the USIM may be used for authentication.

Still in the foregoing mobile terminal, the RF antenna may comprise aread antennae and a tag antennae that are stacked together, wherein inthe reader mode, the read antennae may be activated while the tagantennae is not. The external RF device may be configured to perform atag mode and a reader/writer mode, wherein in the reader/writer mode,the RF device may be configured to read data from or write data in theNFC module, wherein in the tag mode, the RF device may be configure toprovide data form the NFC module to read. The external RF device may befurther configured to send an RF command for authenticating the mobileterminal. The mode-control command may be to activate or deactivate atleast one of a silent-ringtone, a manner mode, a camera-functionrestriction mode, and a communication zone grouping mode. The data fromthe external RF device further may comprise a release time of the atleast one mode. The data from the external RF device further maycomprise compulsory release instructions for a user of the mobileterminal to use for deactivate the at least one activated mode prior tothe release time.

Another aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: the mobileterminal set forth in the foregoing paragraphs; and the external RFdevice installed at an entrance or exit of a facility, wherein theexternal RF device is configured for setting the mode-control command,for sending the data comprising the mode-control command, and forsending an RF command for authenticating the mobile terminal. In thesystem, external RF device may be configured to perform a tag mode and areader/writer mode, wherein in the reader/writer mode, the RF device maybe configured to read data from or write data in the NFC module, whereinin the tag mode, the RF device may be configure to provide data form theNFC module to read. The USIM card may be configured to forward the datafrom the external RF device to the baseband chip only when the mobileterminal is authenticated.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a method of controllingoperation of a mobile terminal. The method comprises: providing a mobileterminal comprising a baseband chip, an NFC module comprising an NFCchip and RF antenna, and a USIM card connected to the baseband chip andthe NFC module, the baseband chip configured to process commands andcontrol a plurality of modes of the mobile terminal, the NFC chip beingconnected to the baseband chip and the RF antenna, the USIM comprising aunique identification code for authenticating the mobile terminal,wherein the NFC module is configured to operate in a plurality of modescomprising a reader mode and a tag (or card emulation) mode, wherein inthe reader mode, the NFC module is configured to read data from anexternal NFC tag, wherein in the tag mode, the NFC module is configuredto provide data for another RF reader to read; establishing an NFCchannel between the mobile terminal and an external RF device installedat an entrance or exit of a facility by tagging the external RF devicewith the mobile terminal, wherein the external RF device is configuredto perform a tag mode and a reader/writer mode, wherein the external RFdevice is further configured to send an RF command for authenticatingthe mobile terminal; receiving, at the NFC module of the mobileterminal, data from the external RF device, the data comprising amode-control command; forwarding the data from the external RF device tothe USIM; subsequently causing authentication of the mobile terminal;only after authentication, forwarding the data from the external RFdevice to the baseband chip; processing, at the baseband chip, the modecontrol command of the data to control at least one of the plurality ofmodes in accordance with the mode-control command; and causing the NFCmodule to send, to the external RF device, signals indicative ofprocessing of the mode-control command. In the foregoing method, themode-control command may be to activate or deactivate at least one of asilent-ringtone, a manner mode, a camera-function restriction mode, anda communication zone grouping mode.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus forcontrolling ringtone, camera, and communication functions of a mobileterminal using a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip module and anexternal Radio Frequency (RF) reader, the apparatus including: an NFCchip module electrically connected to a base band chip provided in amobile terminal, configured to perform selection such that a commanddata signal, received from an external RF reader via an RF antenna, istransmitted to the base band chip or a Universal Subscriber IdentityModule (USIM) card of the mobile terminal, and configured to receive aresult of terminal processing of the base band chip which operates incompliance with the command data signal received from the external RFreader, and configured to transmit a result of the terminal processingto the external RF reader via the RF antenna; the base band chipelectrically connected to the NFC chip module, configured to receive thecommand data signal from the external RF reader, configured to change amain operation mode of the mobile terminal in accordance with a set modeof the external RF reader in compliance with the command data signalreceived from the external RF reader, and configured to transmit theresult of the terminal processing of the mobile terminal, obtainedthrough conversion, to the NFC chip module; and the USIM cardelectrically connected to the base band chip and the NFC chip module,configured to perform at least one of network authentication, electroniccommerce, and a global roaming communication service, and configured,when a communication connection signal of the NFC chip module isreceived, to receive an RF-related command including an Single WiredProtocol (SWP) and process the RF-related command in compliance with thecommand data signal received from the external RF reader.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling a function of a mobile terminal using a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) chip module and an external Radio Frequency (RF)reader, the method including: setting a command data signal used toset/release a specific function mode of the mobile terminal in theexternal RF reader; tagging the mobile terminal in which an NFC chipmodule is provided with the external RF reader, and transmitting thecommand data signal received from the external RF reader by the NFC chipmodule to a base band chip; performing, in the base band chip,conversion of an operation mode of the mobile terminal in response tothe command data signal received from the NFC main chip, displaying aresult of terminal processing of the mobile terminal on the display ofthe mobile terminal in the form of information, and transmitting theresult to the NFC chip module; and receiving in the NFC chip module theresult of the terminal processing of the base band chip which operatesin compliance with the command data signal, and transmitting the resultof the terminal processing to the external RF reader.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the function is atleast one selected from the group consisting of ringtone function,camera function and communication function. According to an aspect ofthe present invention, the operation mode of the mobile terminal is setas or released from a silent ringtone mode after performing theconversion, a camera function restriction mode after performing theconversion, or a communication zone grouping mode after performing theconversion. According to an aspect of the present invention, the mobileterminal is a mobile phone.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus forcontrolling ringtone, camera, and communication functions of a mobileterminal using a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip module and anexternal Radio Frequency (RF) reader, the apparatus including: an NFCchip module electrically connected to a base band chip provided in amobile terminal, configured to perform selection such that a commanddata signal, received from an external RF reader via an RF antenna, istransmitted to the base band chip or a Universal Subscriber IdentityModule (USIM) card of the mobile terminal, and configured to receive aresult of terminal processing of the base band chip which operates incompliance with the command data signal received from the external RFreader, and configured to transmit a result of the terminal processingto the external RF reader via the RF antenna, the NFC chip moduleincludes: the RF antenna for performing an RF (contactless) readerfunction or a tag function depending on the contactless-type external RFreader, receiving the command data signal, transmitting the command datasignal to a tuning unit, and transmitting a response data signal from anNFC main chip to the external RF reader; a tag circuit unit foramplifying the command data signal tagged and received via the RFantenna, transmitting the amplified command data signal to the NFC mainchip, modulating response data transmitted from the NFC main chip, andtransmitting the modulated response data to the RF antenna; a receivercircuit unit for filtering and amplifying the command data signalreceived by the RF (contactless) reader via the RF antenna, demodulatingthe amplified command data signal into a digital signal, and thentransmitting the demodulated command data signal to the NFC main chip;the NFC main chip for performing control such that the command datasignal, received from the external RF reader through the tag circuitunit or the receiver circuit unit, is selected to be transmitted to thebase band chip or the USIM card, and a terminal processing response datasignal of the base band chip which operates in compliance with thecommand data signal received from the external RF reader is received andthen transmitted to the external RF reader via the RF antenna, the NFCmain chip connected to the base band chip of the mobile terminal throughthe UART host interface unit, configured to receive the terminalprocessing response data signal of the base band chip which operates incompliance with the command data signal received from the external RFreader, configured to connect the receiver circuit unit to a receiverinput terminal, configured to receive the command data signal of anexternal RF terminal which was received through the receiver circuitunit, configured to include an internal reference voltage terminalconnected to a power unit of the receiver circuit unit in order totransmit internal reference voltage to the receiver circuit unit,configured to include two transmitter terminals which are connected tothe tag circuit unit in order to output 13.56 MHz to the tag circuitunit, configured to perform matching on the external RF terminal inorder to receive the command data signal from the external RF terminal,configured to include an interrupt request terminal which is connectedto an input terminal of the base band chip of the mobile terminal,configured to transmit an interrupt event signal to the base band chipof the mobile terminal, configured to transmit the command data signalfrom the external RF terminal, configured to include a NOT reset powerdown terminal which is connected to an output terminal of the base bandchip of the mobile terminal, configured to switch off internal currentconnection when a low signal is received from the base band chip,configured to stop a drive of an oscillator, and configured to blockconnection between the external RF reader and the receiver inputterminal and connection between the external RF reader and the twotransmitter terminals; and a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter(UART) host interface unit for transmitting the terminal processingresponse data signal of the base band chip which operates in compliancewith the command data signal received from the external RF reader to theNFC main chip; the base band chip electrically connected to the NFC chipmodule, configured to receive the command data signal from the externalRF reader, configured to change a main operation mode of the mobileterminal in accordance with a set mode of the external RF reader incompliance with the command data signal received from the external RFreader, and configured to transmit the result of the terminal processingof the mobile terminal, obtained through conversion, to the NFC chipmodule; and the USIM card electrically connected to the base band chipand the NFC chip module, configured to perform at least one of networkauthentication, electronic commerce, and a global roaming communicationservice, and configured, when a communication connection signal of theNFC chip module is received, to receive an RF-related command includingan Single Wired Protocol (SWP) and process the RF-related command incompliance with the command data signal received from the external RFreader.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the NFC main chipincludes a communication interface input terminal and a communicationinterface output terminal which are connected to the USIM card usingSWP, and transmits the command data signal from the external RF readervia the RF antenna, so that the command data signal from the external RFreader is transmitted to the base band chip while networkauthentication, electronic commerce, and/or a global roamingcommunication service are performed using the USIM card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more clearly understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration elements of anapparatus for controlling the ringtone, camera, and communicationfunctions of a mobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an externalRF reader according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration elements of theNFC chip module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the configuration of an RF antennaaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a tag circuit unit which is theelement of the NFC chip module according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating a receiver circuit unit whichis the configuration element of the NFC chip module according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a process of setting the function of amobile terminal to silent ringtone/etiquette mode using a method forcontrolling the ringtone, camera, and communication functions of amobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an external RF readeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a process of releasing the function of themobile terminal from the silent ringtone/etiquette mode using the methodfor controlling the ringtone, camera, and communication functions of amobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an external RF readeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a process of setting the function of themobile terminal to camera function restriction mode using the method forcontrolling the ringtone, camera, and communication functions of amobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an external RF readeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a process of releasing the function of themobile terminal from camera function restriction mode using the methodfor controlling the ringtone, camera, and communication functions of amobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an external RF readeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the method for controlling theringtone, camera, and communication functions of a mobile terminal usingan NFC chip module and an external RF reader according to an embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the samereference numerals are used throughout the different drawings todesignate the same or similar components.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe attached drawings below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration elements of anapparatus for controlling the ringtone, camera, and communicationfunctions of a mobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an externalRF reader according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus for controlling the ringtone, camera, and communicationfunctions of a mobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an externalRF reader includes an NFC chip module 100, a base band chip 200, and aUSIM card 300.

An external RF reader 10 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is a configuration which is installed at a place such as anentrance/exit of a performance hall, a school, or a security facility,and which, when the external RF reader 10 is connected to a mobileterminal in which the NFC chip module is provided in contact-type or RF(contactless-type) manner, transmits a command indicative ofsetting/releasing the function of a mobile terminal as/from silentringtone/etiquette mode, a command indicative of setting/releasing thefunction of the mobile terminal as/from camera function restrictionmode, or a command indicative of setting/releasing the function of themobile terminal as/from communication zone grouping mode. The externalRF reader is formed of any one selected from among an InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO) 14443A, a B reader, a Mifarereader and a Felica reader, and includes a 13.56 Mhz RF antennacorresponding to that of the mobile terminal, and a command transmissionunit for transmitting a command data signal to the mobile terminalinside.

Further, the external RF reader includes a reception unit for receivingthe results of the terminal processing of the base band chip of themobile terminal via an RF antenna, the base band chip operating incompliance with an external command. Further, when the commandtransmission unit transmits the command data signal to the mobileterminal, the external RF reader 10 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is configured to transmit a release time andcompulsory release data, used to change the setting when a user wantscompulsory release before the release time elapses, to the mobileterminal, together with the command data signal.

First, an NFC chip module 100 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. The NFC chip module 100 is a configurationwhich is electrically connected to a base band chip provided in themobile terminal, performs selection such that the command data signalfrom the external RF reader via an RF antenna is transmitted to the baseband chip or a USIM card, receives the results of the terminalprocessing of the base band chip which operates in compliance with theexternal command, and transmits the results of the terminal processingof the base band chip to the external RF reader via the RF antenna. TheNFC chip module 100 includes an RF antenna 110, a tuning unit 115, a tagcircuit unit 120, a receiver circuit unit 130, an NFC main chip 140, anda Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) host interface unit150.

The RF antenna 110 performs a function as an RF (contactless) reader ora tag depending on the contactless-type external RF reader, receives thecommand data signal, transmits the command data signal to the tuningunit, and transmits a response data signal from an NFC main chip to theexternal RF reader. The RF antenna 110 is formed of an integrated-typedual antenna structure in which an initiator (reader) antenna and a tag(target) antenna are integrated in a stacked structure. The dual antennaincludes first and fourth wiring layers configured to form a groundblocking layer and the tag antenna, and second and third wiring layersconfigured to form the initiator (reader) antennas in a Printed CircuitBoard (PCB) having a four-layer wiring.

When the RF antenna according to an embodiment of the present inventionoperates in reader mode, the ground blocking layer is connected to theground and the tag antenna is used as the ground blocking film of theinitiator antenna. When the RF antenna operates in tag mode, a groundwire connection switch TME is provided, as shown in FIG. 3, and the RFantenna is used as a 13.56 MHz tag antenna. That is, the tag antenna ofthe RF antenna according to an embodiment of the present inventionoperates in such a way that, when the initiator antenna is not used, theground wire connection switch TME is turned off and an external RFsignal of 13.56 MHz is detected. Here, when the RF signal is detected,the tag antenna determines whether to supply power necessary for the tagcircuit unit based on whether external power has been supplied or not.

Further, the operation of the RF antenna according to an embodiment ofthe present invention in reader mode or tag mode depends on theoperation mode of the contactless-type external RF reader, and the RFantenna receives the command data signal transmitted to the external RFreader. The RF antenna 110 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention includes the tuning unit 115 on one side in order to tune thereceived command data signal. The tuning unit 115 smoothes the commanddata signal, received over a band of 13.56 MHz, using a capacitor, andtransmits the resulting signal to the receiver circuit unit 130 and thetag circuit unit 120 which are included in the mobile terminal. Theantenna 110 and the tuning unit 115 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention are provided in the battery case of the mobileterminal, as shown in FIG. 2.

The tag circuit unit 120 performs functions of amplifying the commanddata signal, received via the RF antenna through tagging, transmittingthe amplified command data signal to the NFC main chip, modulatingresponse data from the NFC main chip, and transmitting the modulatedresponse data to the RF antenna. The tag circuit unit 120 is connectedto the TX1 terminal, TX2 terminal, and SIGIN terminal of an NFC mainchip terminal. Further, the tag circuit unit 120 according to anembodiment of the present invention includes a rectifier 121, acapacitor C1, a band gap reference voltage circuit 122, a firstamplifier (Operational Amplifier (OP amp)) 123, and a second comparator(OP amp) 124, as shown in FIG. 4. Further, when the tag antenna of theRF antenna is driven and power flows from an external power supply, thecircuit of each unit operates using the power generated by the rectifier121 of the tag circuit unit.

The reception operation of the tag circuit unit 120 according to anembodiment of the present invention is performed in such a way that therectifier 121 functions as an envelope detector in order to remove thecarrier waves of the command data signal received through the tagantenna, the capacitor C1 blocks Direct Current (DC), the band-gapreference voltage circuit 122 adjusts the level of DC, and the adjustedDC is transmitted to the (+) terminal of the first comparator (OP amp)123.

Here, the first comparator (OP amp) 123 amplifies the command datasignal, and the second comparator (OP amp) 124 demodulates the amplifiedcommand data signal into a discrete signal and then transmits thediscrete signal to the NFC main chip 140. In contrast, the transmissionoperation of the tag circuit unit 120 is performed in such a way as toreceive the response data signal of the base band chip from the NFC mainchip 140, switches on an MO, modulates the impedance of ZL, that is,perform load modulation, and then transmits the response data signal tothe RF antenna.

The receiver circuit unit 130 passes and amplifies the command datasignal which is read and received in an RF (contactless) manner via theRF antenna, demodulates the amplified command data signal into a digitalsignal, and then transmits the demodulated command data signal to theNFC main chip. The receiver circuit unit 130 is connected to the RXterminal and VMID terminal of the NFC main chip terminal. The receivercircuit unit 130 according to an embodiment of the present inventionperforms mixing on the command data signal using a mixer unit 131,passes the resulting command data signal through a high pass filter 132,including a capacitor C3 and a register R5, and a low pass filter 133,including a register R6 and a capacitor C4, amplifies the resultingcommand data signal using an OP amp 134 including registers R7 and R8,and then inputs the amplified command data signal to the RX terminal ofthe NFC main chip through a Schmitt trigger 135, as shown in FIG. 5.

The NFC main chip 140 is a configuration which performs control suchthat the command data signal, received from the external RF readerthrough the tag circuit unit or the receiver circuit unit, istransmitted to the base band chip or the USIM card, receives theterminal processing response data signal of the base band chip whichoperates in compliance with the external command, and transmits theterminal processing response data signal to the external RF reader viathe RF antenna. The NFC main chip 140 includes an NFC chip which is atransceiver Integrated Chip (IC).

The NFC main chip according to an embodiment of the present invention isused to perform contactless communication over a band of 13.56 Mhz, andincludes three modes, that is, a tag mode driven in such a way that anyone of an ISO 14443A, a B reader, a Mifare reader, and a Felica reader,which are external RF readers, is installed and connected with the tagcircuit unit, a writer/reader mode driven in such a way that any one ofthe ISO 14443A, the B reader, the Mifare reader, and the Felica reader,which are external RF readers, is installed and connected with thereceiver circuit unit, and a Near Field Communication Interface andProtocol (NFCIP)-1 mode (the NFC main chip is independently driven).

FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of the NFC main chip according to anembodiment of the present invention. The NFC main chip is connected tothe base band chip of the mobile terminal through an UART host interfaceunit, receives the terminal processing response data signal of the baseband chip which operates in compliance with the external command,connects the receiver circuit unit to a receiver input terminal RX, andreceives the command data signal of an external RF terminal, which wasreceived through the receiver circuit unit.

Further, the NFC main chip includes an internal reference voltageterminal VMID which is connected to the power unit of the receivercircuit unit, thereby providing internal reference voltage to thereceiver circuit unit, includes two transmitter terminals TX1 and TX2which are connected to the tag circuit unit, thereby performing outputto the tag circuit unit at 13.56 Mhz, and performs matching on theexternal RF terminal, thereby receiving the command data signal from theexternal RF terminal.

Further, the NFC main chip includes an interrupt request IRQ connectedto the input terminal of the base band chip of the mobile terminal,thereby transmitting an interrupt event signal to the base band chip ofthe mobile terminal and transmitting the command data signal from theexternal RF terminal. The NFC main chip includes a NOT reset/power downterminal NRSTPD connected to the output terminal of the base band chipof the mobile terminal. When a low signal is received from the base bandchip, internal current connection is switched off, and the driving of anoscillator stops, thereby blocking the connection between the externalRF reader and the receiver input terminal RX and the connection betweenthe external RF reader and the two transmitter terminals TX1 and TX2.

The NFC main chip according to an embodiment of the present inventionincludes a communication interface input terminal SIGNIN and acommunication interface output terminal SIGNOUT which are connected tothe USIM card using a Single Wired Protocol (SWP), and transmits thecommand data signal received from the external RF reader via the RFantenna to the USIM card, so that the command data signal from theexternal RF reader is transmitted to the base band chip while networkauthentication, electronic commerce, and/or a global roamingcommunication service are performed using the USIM card.

Next, the base band chip 200 will be described. The base band chip 200according to an embodiment of the present invention is a configurationwhich is electrically connected to the NFC chip module, receives thecommand data signal from the external RF reader, changes the mainoperation mode of the mobile terminal in accordance with the set mode ofthe external RF reader in compliance with the external command, andtransmits the results of the terminal processing of the mobile terminalto the NFC chip module. The base band chip is formed of the base bandchip of the mobile terminal and controls the overall command processingof the mobile terminal and its own hardware function.

The base band chip 120 includes an input terminal to which the interruptrequest terminal IRQ of the NFC main chip is connected, receives thecommand data signal from the external RF terminal using the interruptevent signal of the NFC main chip, and transmits the terminal processingresponse data signal of the base band chip, which operates based on theexternal command through the UART host interface unit of the NFC mainchip, to the NFC main chip. Further, the base band chip 120 includesanother input terminal to which the USIM card is connected, and receivesthe command data signal from the external RF reader after a network hasbeen authenticated.

Next, the USIM card 300 will be described. The USIM card 300 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention is a configuration which iselectrically connected to the base band chip and the NFC chip module,receives an RF-related command including the SWP, and processes theRF-related command in compliance with the external command when thecommunication connection signal of the NFC chip module is received whileperforming network authentication, electronic commerce, and/or globalroaming communication service. The USIM card 300 includes an inputterminal to which the communication interface input terminal SIGNIN andcommunication interface output terminal SIGNOUT of the NFC main chip areconnected, thereby receiving the RF-related command including the SWP.The USIM card 300 includes an output terminal to which the inputterminal of the base band chip is connected, thereby transmitting thecommand data of the external RF reader, in which network authenticationhas been completed, to the base band chip.

When the control signal of the NFC chip module is received, the USIMcard according to an embodiment of the present invention enables theconnection of SWP communication using an NFC communication unit inresponse to the control signal. Further, the USIM card includes memoryfor storing the unique number of the mobile terminal (Electronic SerialNumber (ESN)), and ESN deactivation means for deactivating ESN stored inthe base band chip (Qualcomm chip) of the mobile terminal such that theESN stored in the memory can be used to authenticate mobilecommunication service. The memory has a space of 64 KB or more, which ispreliminarily prepared in the USIM card, and stores the unique number ofthe mobile terminal (ESN).

In order to prevent the collision between the ESN stored in the mobilecommunication base band chip (Qualcomm chip) of the mobile terminal andthe ESN stored in the USIM card, the ESN deactivation means deactivatesthe ESN stored in the base band chip of the mobile terminal when theUSIM card is inserted into the mobile terminal so that only the ESNstored in the USIM card can be used to authenticate service. Further,the USIM card 300 converts an RF command into a connection command, ortransmits the connection command to the base band chip of the mobileterminal.

A method for controlling the ringtone, camera, and communicationfunctions of a mobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an externalRF reader according to an embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed below. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the method forcontrolling the ringtone, camera, and communication functions of amobile terminal using an NFC chip module and an external RF readeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, a command data signal, used to set/release the specific functionmode of a mobile terminal, is set up in an external RF reader (S100).Thereafter, the mobile terminal in which an NFC chip module is providedis tagged with the external RF reader, and the NFC chip module transmitsthe command data signal from the external RF reader to a base band chip(S110). Thereafter, the base band chip performs conversion on the mainoperation mode of the mobile terminal along the camera functionrestriction mode of the external RF reader in response to the commanddata signal of the external RF reader, received from the NFC main chip,displays the results of the terminal processing of the mobile terminalon the display of the mobile terminal in the form of information, andtransmits the results to the NFC chip module (S120). Thereafter, the NFCchip module receives the results of the terminal processing of the baseband chip which operates in compliance with an external command, andtransmits the results of the terminal processing to the external RFreader via the RF antenna (S130).

Procedures for setting/releasing the function of mobile terminal as/froma silent ringtone/etiquette mode, a camera function restriction mode, aand communication zone grouping mode using the method for controllingthe ringtone, camera, and communication functions of a mobile terminalusing an NFC chip module and an external RF reader according to anembodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Setting/Releasing as/from Silent Ringtone/Etiquette Mode

Setting/releasing as/from silent ringtone/etiquette mode according to anembodiment of the present invention is used to set/release a mobileterminal so that the ringtone of the mobile terminal does not ring whenthe mobile terminal is tagged with an external RF reader installed at anentrance/exit to a place such as a conference room or a performance hallthat is entered, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Procedure of Setting as Silent Ringtone/Etiquette Mode

First, a command data signal, used to set silent ringtone/etiquettemode, is set up in the external RF reader. Thereafter, a mobileterminal, in which an NFC chip module is provided, is tagged with theexternal RF reader. Here, when the external RF reader transmits thecommand data signal to the mobile terminal, the external RF readertransmits a release time and compulsory release data, which can be usedto change the setting when a user wants compulsory release before therelease time elapses, to the mobile terminal.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module transmits the command data signal,received from the external RF reader via an RF antenna, to a base bandchip. That is, the RF antenna of the NFC chip module performs a taggingfunction based on the contactless-type external RF reader, receives thecommand data signal, and transmits the command data signal to a tagcircuit unit via a tuning unit.

Thereafter, the tag circuit unit amplifies the command data signaltagged and received via the RF antenna, and transmits the amplifiedcommand data signal to the NFC main chip. The NFC main chip transmits aninterrupt event signal to the base band chip of the mobile terminalthrough using the interrupt request terminal IRQ, and transmits thecommand data signal from the external RF terminal.

Here, the base band chip transmits a low signal to the NOT rest/powerdown terminal NRSTPD of the NFC main chip, switches off internal currentconnection, stops the drive of an oscillator, and blocks connectionbetween the external RF reader and a receiver input terminal RX and theconnection between the external RF reader and two transmitter terminalsTX1 and TX2.

Thereafter, the base band chip performs conversion on the main operationmode of the mobile terminal along the silent ringtone/etiquette mode ofthe external RF reader in response to the command data signal of theexternal RF reader, received from the NFC main chip, displays theresults of the terminal processing of the mobile terminal on the displayof the mobile terminal in the form of information, and transmits theresults to the NFC chip module.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module receives the results of terminalprocessing (silent ringtone/etiquette mode) of the base band chip whichoperates in compliance with the external command, and transmits theresults of the terminal processing to the external RF reader via the RFantenna.

Procedure of Releasing from Silent Ringtone/Etiquette Mode

First, a command data signal, used to release from the silentringtone/etiquette mode, is set up in the external RF reader.Thereafter, the mobile terminal, in which an NFC chip module isprovided, according to an embodiment of the present invention is taggedwith the external RF reader.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module transmits the command data signal,received from the external RF reader via the RF antenna, to the baseband chip. That is, the RF antenna of the NFC chip module performs atagging function based on the contactless-type external RF reader,receives the command data signal, and transmits the command data signalto the tag circuit unit via the tuning unit.

Thereafter, the tag circuit unit amplifies the command data signaltagged and received via the RF antenna, and transmits the amplifiedcommand data signal to the NFC main chip. The NFC main chip transmits aninterrupt event signal to the base band chip of the mobile terminalthrough the interrupt request terminal IRQ, and transmits the commanddata signal from the external RF terminal.

Here, the base band chip transmits a low signal to the NOT rest/powerdown terminal NRSTPD of the NFC main chip, switches off the internalcurrent connection, stops the drive of the oscillator, and blocksconnection between the external RF reader and the receiver inputterminal RX and the connection between the external RF reader and thetwo transmitter terminals TX1 and TX2.

Thereafter, the base band chip releases the silent ringtone/etiquettemode of the mobile terminal in response to the command data signal ofthe external RF reader, which was received from the NFC main chip,converts the ringtone/etiquette mode into the main operation mode of themobile terminal, displays the results of the terminal processing of themobile terminal, obtained through conversion, on the display of themobile terminal in the form of information, and transmits the results tothe NFC chip module.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module receives the results of the terminalprocessing (release of silent ringtone/etiquette mode) of the base bandchip which operates in compliance with an external command, andtransmits the results of the terminal processing to the external RFreader via the RF antenna.

Setting/Releasing as/from Camera Function Restriction Mode

Setting/releasing as/from camera function restriction mode according toan embodiment of the present invention is used to set such that thecamera function of a mobile terminal stops when the mobile terminal istagged with an external RF reader installed at an entrance to a placesuch as a company or a laboratory which requires security, and then usedto restore the original camera function of the mobile terminal when themobile terminal is tagged with an external RF reader installed at anexit at the time of going home after business ends, as shown in FIGS. 8and 9.

Procedure of Setting Camera Function Restriction Mode

First, a command data signal, used to set camera function restrictionmode, is set up in the external RF reader. Thereafter, a mobileterminal, in which an NFC chip module is provided, is tagged with theexternal RF reader. Here, when the external RF reader transmits thecommand data signal to the mobile terminal, the external RF readertransmits a release time and compulsory release data, which can be usedto change the setting when a user wants compulsory release before therelease time elapses, to the mobile terminal.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module transmits the command data signal,received from the external RF reader via an RF antenna, to a base bandchip. That is, the RF antenna of the NFC chip module performs a taggingfunction based on the contactless-type external RF reader, receives thecommand data signal, and transmits the command data signal to a tagcircuit unit via a tuning unit.

Thereafter, the tag circuit unit amplifies the command data signaltagged and received via the RF antenna, and transmits the amplifiedcommand data signal to the NFC main chip. The NFC main chip transmits aninterrupt event signal to the base band chip of the mobile terminalthrough using the interrupt request terminal IRQ, and transmits thecommand data signal from the external RF terminal.

Here, the base band chip transmits a low signal to the NOT rest/powerdown terminal NRSTPD of the NFC main chip, switches off internal currentconnection, stops the drive of an oscillator, and blocks connectionbetween the external RF reader and a receiver input terminal RX and theconnection between the external RF reader and two transmitter terminalsTX1 and TX2.

Thereafter, the base band chip changes the main operation mode of themobile terminal in accordance with the camera function restriction modeof the external RF reader in response to the command data signal of theexternal RF reader, received from the NFC main chip, displays theresults of the terminal processing of the mobile terminal on the displayof the mobile terminal in the form of information, and transmits theresults to the NFC chip module.

Further, if the results are transmitted to the USIM card which supportsthe SWP based on a design structure, the USIM card, which supports theSWP, performs the corresponding function of the NFC main chip, displaysprocessed information on the display of the mobile terminal, and thentransmits processed results to the NFC chip module.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module receives the results of terminalprocessing (camera function restriction mode) of the base band chipwhich operates in compliance with the external command, and transmitsthe results of the terminal processing to the external RF reader via theRF antenna.

Procedure of Releasing from Camera Function Restriction Mode

First, a command data signal, used to release from the camera functionrestriction mode, is set up in the external RF reader. Thereafter, themobile terminal, in which an NFC chip module is provided, according toan embodiment of the present invention is tagged with the external RFreader. Here, when the external RF reader transmits the command datasignal to the mobile terminal, the external RF reader transmits arelease time and compulsory release data, which can be used to changethe setting when a user wants compulsory release before the release timeelapses, to the mobile terminal.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module transmits the command data signal,received from the external RF reader via the RF antenna, to the baseband chip. That is, the RF antenna of the NFC chip module performs atagging function based on the contactless-type external RF reader,receives the command data signal, and transmits the command data signalto the tag circuit unit via the tuning unit.

Thereafter, the tag circuit unit amplifies the command data signaltagged and received via the RF antenna, and transmits the amplifiedcommand data signal to the NFC main chip. The NFC main chip transmits aninterrupt event signal to the base band chip of the mobile terminalthrough the interrupt request terminal IRQ, and transmits the commanddata signal from the external RF terminal.

Here, the base band chip transmits a low signal to the NOT rest/powerdown terminal NRSTPD of the NFC main chip, switches off the internalcurrent connection, stops the drive of the oscillator, and blocksconnection between the external RF reader and the receiver inputterminal RX and the connection between the external RF reader and thetwo transmitter terminals TX1 and TX2.

Thereafter, the base band chip releases the camera function restrictionmode of the mobile terminal in response to the command data signal ofthe external RF reader, which was received from the NFC main chip,converts the camera function restriction mode into the main operationmode of the mobile terminal, displays the results of the terminalprocessing of the mobile terminal, obtained through conversion, on thedisplay of the mobile terminal in the form of information, and transmitsthe results to the NFC chip module.

Further, if the results are transmitted to the USIM card which supportsthe SWP based on a design structure, the USIM card, which supports theSWP, performs the corresponding function of the NFC main chip, displaysprocessed information on the display of the mobile terminal, and thentransmits processed results to the NFC chip module.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module receives the results of the terminalprocessing (release of the camera function restriction mode) of the baseband chip which operates in compliance with an external command, andtransmits the results of the terminal processing to the external RFreader via the RF antenna.

Setting/Releasing as/from Communication Zone Grouping Mode

Setting/releasing as/from communication zone grouping mode is used, whenan external RF reader is installed at the entrance to a specific place,such as Starbucks, and a mobile terminal is tagged with the external RFreader, to connect the mobile terminal of a user with another mobileterminal in the Starbucks, make them in a group, provide wirelessInternet service and chatting service, thereby forming a Peer to Peer(P2P) communication zone, and used, when the mobile terminal is carriedoutside of the Starbucks and tagged with an external RF reader installedat an exit, to restore the original communication function of the mobileterminal.

Procedure of Setting Communication Zone Grouping Mode

First, a command data signal, used to set communication zone groupingmode, is set up in the external RF reader. Thereafter, a mobileterminal, in which an NFC chip module is provided, is tagged with theexternal RF reader.

Thereafter, the NFC chip module transmits the command data signal,received from the external RF reader via an RF antenna, to a base bandchip. That is, the RF antenna of the NFC chip module performs a taggingfunction based on the contactless-type external RF reader, receives thecommand data signal, and transmits the command data signal to a tagcircuit unit via a tuning unit.

Thereafter, the tag circuit unit amplifies the command data signaltagged and received via the RF antenna, and transmits the amplifiedcommand data signal to the NFC main chip. The NFC main chip transmits aninterrupt event signal to the base band chip of the mobile terminalthrough using the interrupt request terminal IRQ, and transmits thecommand data signal from the external RF terminal.

Here, the base band chip transmits a low signal to the NOT rest/powerdown terminal NRSTPD of the NFC main chip, switches off internal currentconnection, stops the drive of an oscillator, and blocks connectionbetween the external RF reader and a receiver input terminal RX and theconnection between the external RF reader and two transmitter terminalsTX1 and TX2.

Thereafter, the base band chip changes the main operation mode of themobile terminal in accordance with the communication zone grouping modeof the external RF reader in response to the command data signal of theexternal RF reader, received from the NFC main chip, displays theresults of the terminal processing of the mobile terminal on the displayof the mobile terminal in the form of information, and transmits theresults to the NFC chip module.

Further, if the results are transmitted to the USIM card which supportsthe SWP based on a design structure, the USIM card, which supports theSWP, performs the corresponding function of the NFC main chip, displaysprocessed information on the display of the mobile terminal, and thentransmits processed results to the NFC chip module. Thereafter, the NFCchip module receives the results of terminal processing (communicationzone grouping mode) of the base band chip which operates in compliancewith the external command, and transmits the results of the terminalprocessing to the external RF reader via the RF antenna.

Procedure of Releasing from Communication Zone Grouping Mode

First, a command data signal, used to release from the communicationzone grouping mode, is set up in the external RF reader. Thereafter, themobile terminal, in which an NFC chip module is provided, according toan embodiment of the present invention is tagged with the external RFreader. Thereafter, the NFC chip module transmits the command datasignal, received from the external RF reader via the RF antenna, to thebase band chip. That is, the RF antenna of the NFC chip module performsa tagging function based on the contactless-type external RF reader,receives the command data signal, and transmits the command data signalto the tag circuit unit via the tuning unit.

Thereafter, the tag circuit unit amplifies the command data signaltagged and received via the RF antenna, and transmits the amplifiedcommand data signal to the NFC main chip. The NFC main chip transmits aninterrupt event signal to the base band chip of the mobile terminalthrough the interrupt request terminal IRQ, and transmits the commanddata signal from the external RF terminal. Here, the base band chiptransmits a low signal to the NOT rest/power down terminal NRSTPD of theNFC main chip, switches off the internal current connection, stops thedrive of the oscillator, and blocks connection between the external RFreader and the receiver input terminal RX and the connection between theexternal RF reader and the two transmitter terminals TX1 and TX2.

Thereafter, the base band chip releases the communication zone groupingmode of the mobile terminal in response to the command data signal ofthe external RF reader, which was received from the NFC main chip,converts the communication zone grouping mode into the main operationmode of the mobile terminal, displays the results of the terminalprocessing of the mobile terminal, obtained through conversion, on thedisplay of the mobile terminal in the form of information, and transmitsthe results to the NFC chip module.

Further, if the results are transmitted to the USIM card which supportsthe SWP based on a design structure, the USIM card, which supports theSWP, performs the corresponding function of the NFC main chip, displaysprocessed information on the display of the mobile terminal, and thentransmits processed results to the NFC chip module. Thereafter, the NFCchip module receives the results of the terminal processing (release ofcommunication zone grouping mode) of the base band chip which operatesin compliance with an external command, and transmits the results of theterminal processing to the external RF reader via the RF antenna.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.The present invention can provide RF-related service, including varioustypes of SWPs, in such a way that the NFC main chip transmits anRF-related command, which includes an SWP and is received through the RFreader, to the base band chip or a USIM card which supports the SWP,with the result that the base band chip or the USIM card which supportsthe SWP processes the RF-related command, so that the results of commandprocessing are displayed on various types of devices, such as a mobileterminal and a note computer, and then the results of command processingare provided to the RF reader in the form of RF command which includesthe SWP using the NFC main chip, thereby providing notification of theresults of the command processing.

As described above, in the present invention, the NFC chip moduletransmits a command data signal from the external RF reader to the baseband chip or the USIM card, thereby using not only an NFC function butalso a USIM function in multiple manners. With regard to the control ofthe functions of a mobile terminal which comes into contact with anexternal RF terminal over a near field, the present invention canprovide NFC service, such as setting/releasing the functions of themobile terminal as/from silent ringtone/etiquette mode, camera functionrestriction mode, and communication zone grouping mode.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventionas disclosed in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal comprising: a baseband chipconfigured to process commands and control a plurality of modes of themobile terminal; an NFC module comprising an NFC chip and RF antenna,the NFC chip being connected to the baseband chip and the RF antenna;and a USIM card connected to the baseband chip and the NFC module.